News for 'lionel-messi'

'It was a 10/10 day, Leo Messi'

'It was a 10/10 day, Leo Messi'

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The Wankhede crowd went in to tizzy when India's cricket God and the Argentine football captain came together on stage and exchanged pleasantries and presents.

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

MLS begins a transformative season with Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and record transfers as North America prepares to host the World Cup.

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Following a significant defeat to the BJP, Trinamool Congress leaders are openly criticising the party leadership, citing mismanagement and lack of support as key factors in the election outcome.

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC of sheltering goons who torture women and promised citizenship to refugees in West Bengal. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to women's security by giving poll tickets to victims of violence.

Messi meets Parth Jindal as India Tour hits Mumbai

Messi meets Parth Jindal as India Tour hits Mumbai

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Messi has been accompanied throughout the tour by Luis Surez and Rodrigo De Paul. During his Mumbai visit, the football icon met Parth Jindal, owner of Bengaluru FC and co-owner of Delhi Capitals.

Kuldeep Meets Messi, Swaps Bat for Signed Jersey

Kuldeep Meets Messi, Swaps Bat for Signed Jersey

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Indian spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav opens up about meeting Argentina football icon Lionel Messi during the latter's visit to the national capital as a part of his 'GOAT India Tour 2025'.

In principle, I'm done: Lionel Messi

In principle, I'm done: Lionel Messi

Rediff.com14 Jun 2023

Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has said that "in principle" last year's World Cup would be his fifth and final appearance.

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Stating that she was shocked and deeply disturbed by the 'mismanagement' at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced the constitution of a high-level committee to probe the incident.

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Mamata apologises to Messi, fans after chaos at Kolkata event; orders probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a high-level probe into the alleged mismanagement at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, after fans were unable to catch a glimpse of the football star.

Nitin Nabin Criticises Mamata Banerjee's Focus on Politics Over Sports in West Bengal

Nitin Nabin Criticises Mamata Banerjee's Focus on Politics Over Sports in West Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

BJP National President Nitin Nabin has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly prioritising political games over sports and cultural activities, leading to the state's decline in these areas. He also accused the TMC government of using sports clubs for political purposes.

Lionel Messi and Argentina to play in Kerala next year!

Lionel Messi and Argentina to play in Kerala next year!

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The Kerala government announced on Wednesday that the Argentina national football team, led by legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international friendly match, which Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed as a tribute to state people's passion for soccer.

Why Messi left in 22 mins: Inside Kolkata's event failure

Why Messi left in 22 mins: Inside Kolkata's event failure

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

What should have been a landmark footballing moment in Kolkata turned into a cautionary tale on Saturday morning, as Lionel Messi's brief appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium was cut short amid crowd mismanagement

Delhi gives Messi's India Tour the perfect ending

Delhi gives Messi's India Tour the perfect ending

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour that began in shambolic fashion ended in a blaze of glory as devotional fans joyously gathered to catch a glimpse of a man that does things on the field that are often beyond human comprehension.

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

MLS enters its 31st season amid World Cup buzz and Lionel Messi's impact, with Don Garber calling it a defining moment for the league's future.

Will Messi Turn Up for India vs USA T20 WC Clash?

Will Messi Turn Up for India vs USA T20 WC Clash?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's final stop on his G.O.A.T India Tour produced a memorable crossover moment between football and cricket in New Delhi on Monday.

Ambani Hosts Messi, Suarez at Vantara in Jamnagar

Ambani Hosts Messi, Suarez at Vantara in Jamnagar

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

According to ANI, citing sources, reported that the footballers will stay overnight at the facility, hosted by Anant Ambani, Director at Reliance Industries Limited.

PIX: When Messi met Tendulkar

PIX: When Messi met Tendulkar

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Tendulkar also hoped that 'India also reaches the height that we all aspire to (in football).'

Messi eyes club ownership after hanging up boots

Messi eyes club ownership after hanging up boots

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Lionel Messi eyes owning a club after playing days are done

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Between 9 and 13 December, the Argentina Football Fans Club of Kolkata is turning Aikatan, a cultural hub just a short walk from Salt Lake Stadium, into a full-blown Messi fan zone, drenched in Argentina's blue and white.

Modi Blasts TMC for 'Syndicate Raj' in Bengal, Vows Justice for Women

Modi Blasts TMC for 'Syndicate Raj' in Bengal, Vows Justice for Women

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the TMC in West Bengal, accusing them of corruption and syndicate rule, while promising to address atrocities against women if the BJP comes to power.

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina in Doha is in doubt after the Qatar Football Association suspended soccer tournaments indefinitely following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory missiles fired at the Arabian Peninsula.

Messi arrives in Hyderabad for second leg of GOAT India Tour

Messi arrives in Hyderabad for second leg of GOAT India Tour

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Hyderabad for the second leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025 on Saturday evening, after a chaotic start to the much-anticipated event in Kolkata.

Byju's ropes in Lionel Messi as global brand ambassador

Byju's ropes in Lionel Messi as global brand ambassador

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

Edtech major Byju's has roped in football star Lionel "Leo" Messi as the first global brand ambassador of its social impact arm Education For All, the company said on Friday. Messi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentinian football team, has signed an agreement with Byju's to promote the cause of equitable education, Byju's said in a statement. "We are honoured and excited to collaborate with Lionel Messi as our global ambassador.

Olympian Bindra Urges Introspection After Messi's India Tour

Olympian Bindra Urges Introspection After Messi's India Tour

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

'Icons like Messi inspire us and that inspiration matters deeply. But inspiration must be met with intent.'

Messi arrives in Delhi, meet with PM Modi cancelled

Messi arrives in Delhi, meet with PM Modi cancelled

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Messi is currently at the Mumbai airport and is expected to leave shortly for the final set of engagements, which includes an appearance at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium for a ticketed event.

'A dream and...': Chhetri's fan moment with Messi

'A dream and...': Chhetri's fan moment with Messi

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Sunil Chhetri penned an emotional tribute after meeting his childhood idol Lionel Messi during the Argentine legend's GOAT India Tour event at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium.

'All The Ministers Surrounded Messi, We Couldn't See Anything'

'All The Ministers Surrounded Messi, We Couldn't See Anything'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's much-hyped visit to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday lasted 22 minutes, just enough to underline everything that is wrong in Indian football and the state administration's mismanagement.

Messi wraps up India tour with aarti at Ambani's Vantara

Messi wraps up India tour with aarti at Ambani's Vantara

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Messi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Surez and Rodrigo De Paul, was accorded a traditional welcome, featuring folk music, floral greetings and a ceremonial 'Aarti'.

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The 'Finalissima' match between Spain and Argentina that was scheduled to be held in Qatar has been cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East while the South American side rejected multiple alternatives, UEFA said on Sunday.

Messi Tour: Bhutia lambasts VIPs for chaos in Kolkata

Messi Tour: Bhutia lambasts VIPs for chaos in Kolkata

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Sports must get priority over political, bureaucratic formalities: Bhutia

Will Kolkata fiasco dent India's Olympic hosting chances?

Will Kolkata fiasco dent India's Olympic hosting chances?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata was a private event organised by a PR agency and the federation was not involved in the "planning or execution" of the event at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

Telangana CM Reddy 'Ready' for Messi Penalty Shootout

Telangana CM Reddy 'Ready' for Messi Penalty Shootout

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Hyderabad stadium decked up for Messi's Magic

After Kolkata chaos, Messi thanks Hyderabad fans

After Kolkata chaos, Messi thanks Hyderabad fans

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Hyderabad delivered the perfect footballing spectacle on Saturday night as Lionel Messi lit up the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, offering fans a sharply contrasting experience to the chaos that had unfolded earlier in Kolkata.

Legends meet! SRK and AbRam's fan moment with Messi

Legends meet! SRK and AbRam's fan moment with Messi

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

While most fans were left disappointed at the stadium, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan did get his moment with the football legend.

Lionel Messi hints at retirement

Lionel Messi hints at retirement

Rediff.com4 Dec 2019

Lionel Messi said he is aware that his 'retirement is approaching'.

Hyderabad, are you ready for Messi?

Hyderabad, are you ready for Messi?

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Messi confirms Hyderabad stop on GOAT Tour

'While Messi draws crowds, Indian football hits standstill'

'While Messi draws crowds, Indian football hits standstill'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Indian men's football team captain Sandesh Jhingan on Wednesday questioned the logic of spending crores on Lionel Messi's high-profile 'GOAT Tour', saying the extravagance has forced him to think if anyone is really concerned about investing in Indian football, which has effectively come to a standstill.

TMC, BJP spar over 'saffron flags' at Messi event

TMC, BJP spar over 'saffron flags' at Messi event

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The TMC and BJP have engaged in a blame game following a chaotic Lionel Messi event at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which saw spectators storming the field and the main organiser being arrested for alleged mismanagement.

'Cancelled our honeymoon to see Messi'

'Cancelled our honeymoon to see Messi'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

A newly-married couple in Kolkata revealed that they cancelled their honeymoon to catch a glimpse of Messi in Kolkata.

PIX: A Dream Night at Wankhede as Messi Comes Calling

PIX: A Dream Night at Wankhede as Messi Comes Calling

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

For long stretches, the atmosphere felt less Mumbai and more Camp Nou. Chants of 'Barca... Barca' and 'Suarez... Suarez' echoed through the stands as Messi interacted with youngsters, celebrities and former India football captain Sunil Chhetri.